Overview & Reviews
From its yacht-like boulevard cruisers of the early '70s to its more recent Super Duty pickups, Ford has long catered to buyers with king-sized transportation needs. The Ford Excursion followed in this tradition. This full-size SUV was manufactured between 2000 and 2005, and holds the distinction of being the longest and heaviest sport-utility vehicle ever produced.
With seating for up to nine passengers and a tow rating of 11,000 pounds (when properly equipped), the Excursion was mecca for SUV buyers with super-sized hauling needs. But its gargantuan proportions came at a price. Driving and parking a vehicle of this scale presented major challenges. And as you'd expect, fuel economy was dismal.
The Ford Excursion ultimately fell victim to high gas prices. Declining sales prompted Ford to retire the mega-size SUV after the 2005 model year. If you need a big SUV but not necessarily one that's the biggest in its class, we'd encourage you to explore less unwieldy, more fuel-efficient alternatives. But a used Ford Excursion could be a decent choice for those who have a genuine need for this level of roominess and towing capability.
Most Recent Ford Excursion
Built on Ford's F-250 Super Duty truck platform, the four-door Ford Excursion was the largest SUV in Ford's lineup, based on overall size and interior room. It was available with either two- or four-wheel drive.
In its first year of production, the Excursion was offered in just two trim levels: the base XLT and the more upscale Limited. The Eddie Bauer trim level made its debut in model year 2003 as a midlevel alternative, falling between the XLT and the Limited. In 2004, trim levels were revised to reflect the following hierarchy: base XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and top-of-the-line Limited.
Excursions were initially available with three engines. The standard engine on both XLTs and Limiteds was a 5.4-liter V8 good for 255 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, with both a 310-hp 6.8-liter V10 and a 235-hp 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8 offered as options. In 2001, the 7.3-liter turbodiesel saw its power increase to 250 hp. The Excursion's 7.3-liter turbodiesel was phased out in 2004 to make way for a new 325-hp, 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 that also offered more torque and cleaner emissions.
All engines were governed by a four-speed automatic transmission, except for the 6.0-liter turbodiesel, which had a five-speed automatic. In a test involving a 2000 Ford Excursion equipped with the 6.8-liter V10, our editors averaged just 12.4 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Of all these choices, the 6.0-liter turbodiesel was the pick of the litter: With 560 lb-ft of torque, it was best suited for hauling heavy loads, and it delivered the best cruising range to boot.
Base-model Excursions boasted a generous standard features list, offering amenities like a rear air-conditioner, cruise control, full power accessories and a CD player. Pricier trim levels got you goodies like rear audio controls, power-adjustable pedals, a premium audio system and heated front seats. Options like an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system were available across some trim levels.
The Excursion's interior was more utilitarian than elegant, with a no-frills dashboard that came courtesy of the Super Duty pickup. Top-tier trim levels were a bit more stylish. The Eddie Bauer model featured a cabin with a two-tone color scheme, and the Limited trim offered an interior with cherry wood accents. Nine passengers could be seated in XLS and XLT models; other models seated only eight as a result of their front captain's chairs. Excursions offered 146.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. This is the most capacity ever offered in a full-size SUV, but it still felt short of the cubic footage available in a full-size van -- arguably a better choice for large families.
In editorial reviews, the Ford Excursion's size prevented it from scoring high marks as a daily driver. Steering feel was vague, and ride quality was rough and bouncy. Routine trips down the expressway were a chore, as continual steering correction was needed to keep the big Ford from wandering out of its lane. Acceleration was leisurely no matter which drivetrain you selected, as the engines were tasked with motivating more than 7,000 pounds of vehicle. In consumer reviews, the Excursion was praised for its roomy interior and panned for its interior styling and poor fuel economy.
Past Ford Excursions
On the market for a mere five years, the Ford Excursion was a single-generation vehicle. Although we think GM's heavy-duty series Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL are better choices on the used market, if you're dead set on getting an Excursion, we'd recommend a 2004 or 2005 model with the optional 6.0-liter turbodiesel.
User Reviews:
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I found my soul mate - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Battlestar - June 5 - 9:40 pmWhat a great workhorse, and comfortable on any road trip. Great for hauling horse trailers and campers. The interior space cant be beat. This vehicle has endured some astonishing off-road experiences without any complaints. Had to replace door lock actuators at about 125,000 miles. No other maintenance issues. Its a keeper!
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302k miles and no problems - 2004 Ford Excursion
By veblenesque - May 26 - 6:41 pmThis SUV is amazing. It is amazingly big, tall, fuel inefficient, and difficult to maneuver. But Ive got 302,000 miles on the original 5.4l engine and transmission (which works out to 20,000 gallons, or $80,000, of gas). This is a serious SUV that should only be used by those who need it. Even with a V8, it is surprisingly slow. You need to pay attention when youre driving it, and a long trip can be stressful. But it holds a lot and is surprisingly competent offroad.
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Happy Excursion Owner - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Bruce Gary - January 19 - 2:46 pmI like the Excursion because it is comfortable to drive and it allows you to see over most other traffic. With the 6.0 Diesel it is an excellent tow vehicle. I only wish it got much better mileage. So far it has never let me down or stranded me somewhere. The A/C and the DVD system are two of its most used items. The 4 wheel drive comes in very handy on bi-annual shooting trips to the desert areas of Southern California. I sold a 1 year old Crown Vic Sport to purchase this Excursion and have been very happy everyday since. In the past I have usually purchased either Chevys or Dodges, but I am very glad I gave Ford a second look in 2006 and 2007.
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Well pleased - 2002 Ford Excursion
By 2002 excursion - December 7 - 9:17 pmVery pleased with this truck. With 4 kids and a dog, the space is well needed and used. I went from a 2000 F- 250 to the Excursion and can still get the same loads in the Excursion if needed.
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I like my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Mark from UT - October 5 - 10:34 pmThe Exursion has been great for our family outside some break and power window issues. Diesel engine rocks. Pulling a 4800 pound boat around UT mountains is no problem and the truck is great in snow. Wont give it up.
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Love my 5.4 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
By shannon - September 3 - 9:47 amI purchased this from a friend who didnt need it anymore. I love this vehicle, and really dont see what the big deal is about size. This is the same chasis as a crew cab short bed truck and there are tons of them on the road! Dont dismiss this little gas engine either. Not only does it have enough power for trailering, it gets over 14 mpg average. I wish people wouldnt have bashed this as badly as they had. I will look for more of these trucks to replace this one when it wears out.
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Six years and still going strong - 2000 Ford Excursion
By North Dallas 40 - July 26 - 1:54 pmI purchased my 2000 Excursion Limited Diesel back in 2001 with one eye open, not sure what to expect. My wife had just totaled our 2001 Suburban and I was looking for a diesel. Six years later, I have not had a single reliablity issue with the truck. Other than routine maintenance (brakes, hoses, fluids, etc...), the truck has given us 131,000 trouble free miles. I get 17mpg around town, and 23 on the highway. I am 64"/330lbs and I am very comfortable in the truck. I plan on keeping this vehicle for many more years, or until it gives up the ghost.
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Bang for your buck for a monster beast - 2001 Ford Excursion
By junbug1970 - June 24 - 10:55 amThe gas mileage is better than my Durango even though this truck is 10 cylinder. The best comfortable ride for long drive. Towing a 9000lbs boat feels like towing a pair of jetskiis (effortless). Three of my door actuators are not working, so I have to replace that. Parking this beast in a small parking lot takes me about 3-4 back and forth motions. Need better turning radius.
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Because I can! - 2004 Ford Excursion
By kirstelles - May 22 - 2:00 amWith 2 young children/2 car seats, this is our best bet yet! It has all of the room we need to carry extra passengers plus our do-it-yourself projects. It is easy to drive, park and back up. My only suggestion: measure your garage before you buy. We have an oversized garage but many garages cant fit it! One mini-van driver asked sarcastically asked why I drive such a big tank? I replied..."Because I can!" We dont put much mileage on it so fuel economy wasnt a concern. Well worth the $$ and we are very happy!
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GREAT SUV - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Peter Waldman - February 1 - 6:10 pmNo problems here! Only oil changes on my V10 with 79,000 miles Got free tires from Ford at 65,000 so can go another 75K or so before I need them again. I get 13.4 MPG with a full load (trailer, 4 passengers, gear) at 75 miles per hour from PA to FL. Without the trailer I get the same MPG with speeds of 85 on Interstate 95 just going with traffic. My Jeep Wrangler only gets 17MPG Very happy all the way around. Was thinking of getting the new Expedition LE to replace it but after renting one for 3 weeks when in NM I think I will keep this one for a few more years. Its not the money - I just like it sooo much. When towing my 7500 lb trailer I dont even know it is back there. Get 1!
